Help with cooling problem,
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Junior User
Joined: May 2005
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From: BC Interior
Help with cooling problem,
'96 F350 4x4 , 5spd, reg cab. Here's the problem, engine starts no problem. I let it warm up for 10 min. Take it on the road and finish warming it up at 50kph.(30mph) after about 10k the temp gauge rolls over to hot, the engine heat light comes on. After about 30 seconds of this, the gauge rolls back to normal and stays that way for the rest of the day. Go figure. I have replaced the thermostat 4 times, thinking that could be part of the problem. Also I noticed the other day that when the engine reached that high temp on the gauge, the upper rad hose was under a great deal of pressure, like rock hard. It seems as if the thermostat is sticking and pressure is building up from below, but no way to check. Running 195 thermostats and scared to put anything hotter in there. Does anyone have any suggestions? any help much appreciated as I am taking this to work up northern Alberta this winter, and need reliable vehicle.
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From: THUNDER BAY
LOL I would get an aftermarket gauge they are pretty cheep it would be good to see an actual reading to verify the temps the stock gauges are kinda crappy.
Have you tried driving with the cap loose maybe you have air in the system
Have you tried driving with the cap loose maybe you have air in the system
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Junior User
Joined: May 2005
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From: BC Interior
Well, I have loosened the cap on a number of occasions, always a lot of air. I have wondered if it is a head gasket problem? Don't know much about diesels, and no diesel mechanic within 400km. Kinda sucks, but if I can work on it I will. I have never driven with the cap loose on the overflow tank, will it hurt? I thought that pressure was required to maintain an even temp.
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From: THUNDER BAY
Do you notice any bubbles in the overflow tank? is there any antifreeze in the oil or viceversa these are usually signs of a bad head gasket.
Do you pull heavy loads with the truck? has it ever been overheated bad?
driving with the cap loose will not hurt anything
I sure hope it,s not a head gasket that would suck!
Do you pull heavy loads with the truck? has it ever been overheated bad?
driving with the cap loose will not hurt anything
I sure hope it,s not a head gasket that would suck!
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Junior User
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From: BC Interior
Yeah, I have noticed bubbles, but put it down to air in the system. Hmmmm... It has not been overheated bad as far as I know. No antifreeze in the oil or otherwise that I have seen.Oil is changed regularly @ 5000k. It gets me wondering though. After the initial temp spike, and some loss of fluid to to overpressure, it settles down. On a long trip to High Level. about 1300k, antifreeze remains at same level throughout trip, as I check at each fuel stop. I wonder if the head/gasket expands enough when hot, to eliminate leak. I heard that there were problems of this sort on the '96 7.3. Also have never seen signs of antifreeze in exhaust. Especially on start up. Well, there it is. But how do I check this out?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Grass Valley, CA
X2 on the aftermarket gauge, the computer determines the "normal" range.
are you losing any coolant when it gets to the hot area?
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: MICHIGAN
If the water pump has been replaced you need to verify which pump you have, there are 2. One short stem, one long stem style. The most recent pumps are long stem but you may have gotten an NOS pump.
Also, Generic, el-cheap-o thermostats from the local MegaAutoPart store can cause your symptoms too. Most of those places will give you the wrong thermostat anyway. Be sure to get a good one...from the dealer or here:
http://www.dieselsite.com/index.asp?...ROD&ProdID=186
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Junior User
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From: BC Interior
Hussler, I am getting my thermostats, locally. They are STANT thermostats. Also, not sure if long or short. Heres the part # if that will help: STANT 14269.
Secondarychaos, Yes, I am losing coolant when the temp gauge is high. Seems like the coolant is being held back until an excessive pressure forces the thermostat to open. Then whoosh! Overflow tank fills and blows 16lb cap.
Cuda Jim: Yes the pump was replaced last year. There was some discussion about this with mechanic. He said there were 2 types of pumps. So I made him phone Ford with all the #'s etc, and they sent him what I presume was the correct one. Hey, I really appreciate the help here
Secondarychaos, Yes, I am losing coolant when the temp gauge is high. Seems like the coolant is being held back until an excessive pressure forces the thermostat to open. Then whoosh! Overflow tank fills and blows 16lb cap.
Cuda Jim: Yes the pump was replaced last year. There was some discussion about this with mechanic. He said there were 2 types of pumps. So I made him phone Ford with all the #'s etc, and they sent him what I presume was the correct one. Hey, I really appreciate the help here